During the planning stages we made a few changes and additions to our usual modes of communication. One, we both changed our cell service to T-Mobile, which has good international coverge and unlimited data. So far its been pretty good. Even when the wifi service at a lodging is subpar, we can use our phones as a wifi hotspot.
Two, we added WhatsApp to our phones. Using WhatsApp is an efficient way to communiticate with the family back home as well as to contact hotels, luggage transfer companies and fellow pilgrims without incurring cell or data charges. It’s well accepted here in Spain.
As we mentioned in an earlier post, after starting at St. Jean Pied De Port, our first stop along the way was at Refuge Orrisson. Because this was a community dormatory setting and the meals were shared in a group as well, many of the 45-50 guests became aquainted with each other and many formed friendly bonds here. One of the pilgrims started an Orrisson group page on WhatApp so everyone could keep track of one another. It’s worked great so far, but as time goes on our group gets more spread out all the time, and not everyone can get together as easily. However, information trickles back down the trail from the faster walkers and we’ve now heard that lodging in the next few stages is very tight.
Tonight we are safe and cozy in an historic apartment we secured in Najera. Our 10 mile walk wasn’t difficult from Navarrete, and we arrived in Najera early enough, but were confronted by another logistical challenge. This was our first attempt at booking an apartment, whereas we typically book a hotel or hostel. Because this is a privately owned residential unit, there is no owner present 24/7. So, our luggage transfer company, Jacotrans, had trouble finding a place to drop off our luggage. Fortunately, one of the local albergues allowed them to leave the luggage for us, and I made arrangements for Jacotrans to pick it up there tomorrow and move it to the next location. Also, as today is Sunday, it seems that the market just below our flat closes at 2PM. We weren’t worried until we found that the restaurants were full with reservations for the day. We scrambled back to the market and stood in line for the succulent chickens roasting on spits, only to be told they were all spoken for! Luckily, an English speaking woman pointed out that we could buy a pre-cooked chicken in a different department. We managed to put together a pretty good meal anyway, as you can see:
Digital Postcards 
Nice apartment. We’re glad that everything worked out. Your meal looks great!
LikeLike